The Citizen (Gauteng)

De Bruyne in love with City project

BELGIAN STAR: INSTRUMENT­AL IN CLUB’S PERFECT START

- Manchester

Enigmatic Arsenal in bid to stop Pep’s runaway train.

Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is enjoying playing under manager Pep Guardiola and credits the Spaniard’s tactics for helping him thrive at the Premier League leaders.

The Belgian internatio­nal hit seven league goals and made nine assists in 2015 but since Guardiola’s arrival last July, De Bruyne’s impact has risen drasticall­y, with the 26-year-old assisting 21 goals in 36 league games last season.

De Bruyne has provided nine assists and scored twice in 16 appearance­s across all competitio­ns this campaign and the attacking midfielder praised his manager and the club’s successful transfers for improving the unbeaten side.

“Since Pep came to the club, he plays a style of football I like to play, so it makes it easy as a player,” De Bruyne told Sky Sports.

“I like it here, it is the perfect environmen­t and since I came here there has been a lot of trust in me. I liked the project they are doing from the moment I came here.”

De Bruyne, along with forwards Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, has been instrument­al in City’s storming start to the season, which has seen them open a five-point lead at the top of the standings and qualify from their Champions League group.

City host fifth-placed Arsenal tomorrow and De Bruyne has urged his team to extend their advantage and heap pressure on their rivals on a weekend when title contenders Manchester United and champions Chelsea face off at Stamford Bridge. – Reuters

 ?? Picture: Getty Images ?? KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Picture: Getty Images KEVIN DE BRUYNE

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